De Zerbi: Leaving Richarlison out of Tottenham's Premier League squad was not my decision

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that the call to leave Richarlison out of Tottenham Hotspur's 25-man Premier League squad did not come from his coaching staff. The Brazil forward was a notable absence from the list submitted by the club on Thursday, following a turbulent week in which a proposed return to Everton fell through.

• Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's 25-man Premier League squad.
• De Zerbi insists the decision belongs to the club rather than the manager.
• The forward asked to leave at the start of pre-season and was close to rejoining Everton.
• Trabzonspor and clubs in Saudi Arabia are potential destinations before their transfer deadlines.
• If he stays, Richarlison will be ineligible to play in the Premier League.

What has happened with Richarlison at Tottenham

Richarlison's omission from the official Premier League squad comes after a difficult stretch for the player and the club. De Zerbi had already said the 29-year-old asked to leave and that a move back to Everton was close before Tuesday's transfer deadline. That deal eventually collapsed.

The Italian manager says the striker told him during pre-season that he wanted a new challenge. From that moment, Tottenham looked for another forward and Richarlison's place in De Zerbi's plans became increasingly uncertain.

I think Richarlison decided everything alone. He spoke with me at the beginning of the pre-season and told me his idea and desire was to leave.

Why the squad decision rests with Tottenham, not De Zerbi

De Zerbi has drawn a clear line between his role as head coach and the people running the club. While managers usually have a major say in squad registration, he has pointed out that this specific call was not his to make.

The Brazilian's position has been consistent since the start of the season. According to De Zerbi, he only wants players who are fully committed to staying and fighting for the club. Those who want to leave are free to negotiate their future.

Potential destinations with transfer windows still open

The Turkish transfer window remains open until 22:00 BST on Friday, and Trabzonspor have been linked with a move for Richarlison. Clubs in Saudi Arabia can sign players until Sunday. If no deal is completed, the forward will be unavailable for Premier League action because he has not been registered.

The situation has become more complicated for the forward after Tottenham strengthened their attack with the arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Mykhailo Mudryk and Savio. Richarlison has been pushed down the pecking order, and a move away looks like his only realistic route to regular football.

Richarlison's record at Tottenham and his contract situation

Richarlison joined Tottenham from Everton in the summer of 2022. Last season he finished as the club's top scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals in 32 appearances and played a key role in securing survival on the final day.

The Brazil international had entered the final year of his contract in north London. He started the opening-day defeat by Brentford but was left out of the squad for the 2-0 home loss to Newcastle. After that match, De Zerbi suggested Richarlison had said too many times that he wanted to leave.

A Tottenham attack rebuilt for a new era

The overhaul of Tottenham's forward line has left little room for Richarlison. The signings of Marmoush from Manchester City, Mudryk on loan from Chelsea and Savio from City have increased competition across the front positions. De Zerbi has reiterated that he wants to work with hungry players who accept their role and are proud to represent the club.

Tottenham have invested heavily in the market and embarked on a deep rebuild. The Premier League squad reflects that push toward new faces, while players like Richarlison have been moved aside for strategic and financial reasons.

Richarlison Tottenham squad omission FAQ